Unrealized potential, is no potential at all.
Though I agree with the assessment that Europe needs to step up. That is primarily because of the threat Republicans pose in endorsing Russia's genocidal conquest of Europe. The United States is on the verge of betraying NATO and pulling resources from the fight. Without the United States actively opposing, Russia WILL have victory until nuclear weapons stop them. That is a very real risk, no US, no conventional force to stop Russia.
Russian Army Is Double Its Size on the Eve of Invasion and Likely Will Stay That Way
Only our ammo and our production stops this.
And if we are not willing to lift a finger, then we would let Russia attack NATO as well. MAGA treason for Russia knows no bounds. The only domino they need is our 2024 election. Then the rest can fall into place, and it takes a nuclear war to stop Russia. But who would "end the world" for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, or Poland? What about Germany? Would UK and France commit to a first launch policy? Especially if the US + Russian allies are spoiling the Alliance?
Already, Poland needs a nuclear arsenal in response to our weakness. They need to rush it to completion to protect the region from ever expanding genocide.
The risk of us failing to act, and allowing Russia to reach Polish borders, is far too great to ignore.